A Colloquium: Religion in the Public Square The Church & Nation Committee of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria organised an inaugural  three day colloquium, Religion in the Public Square, from Thursday–Saturday, July 22–24, 2010 in the Assembly Hall, 156 Collins St, Melbourne. The  keynote speaker was the noted ethicist, Dr Scott Rae. Dr Rae is Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology in California. His primary interests are medical ethics and business ethics.   The papers on offer covered six topics: ·             Business ethics and the future of capitalism ·             Securing freedom of religion in a hostile environment ·             The case for Religion in the Public Square ·             Understanding vocation ·             Affirming and promoting pro-life policies ·             Sex: the worst and the best Download Colloquium Booklet Download Colloquium Papers and Power Point Presentations Link to MP3 recording of Proceedings ($20 plus p&p) Report on the Colloquium A very exciting and enriching experience was had by the 250 registrants to the inaugural Church & Nation Committee Religion in the Public Square Colloquium held over three days in late July in the Robert White Hall, 156 Collins St. Ages ranged from early twenties upwards. The genesis for the Colloquium goes back at least four years with a number of elements to the fore: a conference targeting the lay members of the Church which would cover a variety of matters of ethical importance to lay members; the desire to demonstrate to Christians that we have defensible positions across a broad range of issues worth addressing and to do so in a public forum; and then more particularly to begin exploring a Christian world and life understanding that drew upon our own reformed tradition. Over the past several years the Committee’s involvement in inter church and political arenas provided fresh insights, such as the need to employ the four voices of the church – the prophetic, academic/professional, persuasive and artistic, as well as a growing awareness of informed, articulate persons to the forefront of their professions both within the Presbyterian Church (bearing in mind the desire to showcase our own talent) as well within other Christian communities. We sought a keynote speaker  and found someone in Professor Scott Rae from Biola University, Los Angeles who exceeded all our expectations. Dr Rae proved knowledgeable, absolute tops in his field. He spoke plainly and clearly whilst his modest American manner that made him endearingly accessible and acceptable to all. Once we knew Dr Rae’s strengths lay in business, pro life and bio-technology ethics we were able to pair local speakers with him. In all 23 papers were presented by 18 different speakers. One of the themes our ministers heard repeatedly was the need for them in their preaching to address the ethical issues our people experience in their daily lives, especially in the workforce. A highlight of the Colloquium  was to run a protracted segment on freedom of religion in which the heads of the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission were pitted against our own champions in the persons of Professors Tonti-Filippini, Parkinson and Aroney, the latter a Presbyterian elder from Queensland. The room was packed for this segment and at the end, the general consensus was that the risk was one well taken. For once the Human Rights industry had to take note of Christian concerns politely but cogently, even pointedly expressed. However, it is fair to say that at this point in time, the Victorian Commission and ourselves take a different view on how the religious exception clauses in the new Equal Opportunity Act should work. We are hopeful that with the recent change of Government in Victoria, the Act will be amended in a way that will strengthen freedom of conscience, thought and religion. We received many, many expressions of gratitude and commendation, and here is a sampling. What a great Colloquium. So professional. So stretching of thinking. Such quality presenters. Thank you for doing so well. Thank you for a wonderful stimulating colloquium. Just thought I’d say that the Colloquium was great. It’s probably one of the first times we feel like the denomination is engaging directly with some of these important issues in society. It was also good to be around other like minded people The Committee has commenced planning for a second Religion in the Public Square Colloquium in 2012.

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